Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Phillip Christian Holt, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Control Officer of Landing Craft for the SEVENTH Amphibious Force, during an amphibious landing on Biak, Schouten Island, of the Dutch New Guinea Coast, on 27 May 1944. As the only officer on board the Submarine Chaser U.S.S. SC-699 after an enemy plane crashed and exploded on her deck, Commander Holt immediately assumed command of the seven enlisted men remaining on the vessel and, while flames enveloped the ship to masthead height, proceeded to fight the fire, aided by equipment from the tug SONOMA, which had put alongside approximately three minutes after the fire commenced. While the conflagration was at its height, he braved the flames to release two gunners who were strapped to their gun positions and unable to free themselves because of severe burns. In imminent danger at all times from smoke, flame, explosion and falling debris, he remained cool and competent, and succeeded in extinguishing the fire and saving the ship, later going below decks where he supervised the administration of first aid and the evacuation of casualties and directed the clearing of debris. His inspiring courage, heroic initiative and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Holt and the United States Naval Service.
Contributor: BarryC (#47806468)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Phillip Christian Holt, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Control Officer of Landing Craft for the SEVENTH Amphibious Force, during an amphibious landing on Biak, Schouten Island, of the Dutch New Guinea Coast, on 27 May 1944. As the only officer on board the Submarine Chaser U.S.S. SC-699 after an enemy plane crashed and exploded on her deck, Commander Holt immediately assumed command of the seven enlisted men remaining on the vessel and, while flames enveloped the ship to masthead height, proceeded to fight the fire, aided by equipment from the tug SONOMA, which had put alongside approximately three minutes after the fire commenced. While the conflagration was at its height, he braved the flames to release two gunners who were strapped to their gun positions and unable to free themselves because of severe burns. In imminent danger at all times from smoke, flame, explosion and falling debris, he remained cool and competent, and succeeded in extinguishing the fire and saving the ship, later going below decks where he supervised the administration of first aid and the evacuation of casualties and directed the clearing of debris. His inspiring courage, heroic initiative and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Holt and the United States Naval Service.
Contributor: BarryC (#47806468)
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Phillip Christian Holt, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Control Officer of Landing Craft for the SEVENTH Amphibious Force, during an amphibious landing on Biak, Schouten Island, of the Dutch New Guinea Coast, on 27 May 1944. As the only officer on board the Submarine Chaser U.S.S. SC-699 after an enemy plane crashed and exploded on her deck, Commander Holt immediately assumed command of the seven enlisted men remaining on the vessel and, while flames enveloped the ship to masthead height, proceeded to fight the fire, aided by equipment from the tug SONOMA, which had put alongside approximately three minutes after the fire commenced. While the conflagration was at its height, he braved the flames to release two gunners who were strapped to their gun positions and unable to free themselves because of severe burns. In imminent danger at all times from smoke, flame, explosion and falling debris, he remained cool and competent, and succeeded in extinguishing the fire and saving the ship, later going below decks where he supervised the administration of first aid and the evacuation of casualties and directed the clearing of debris. His inspiring courage, heroic initiative and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Holt and the United States Naval Service.
Contributor: BarryC (#47806468)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Phillip Christian Holt, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Control Officer of Landing Craft for the SEVENTH Amphibious Force, during an amphibious landing on Biak, Schouten Island, of the Dutch New Guinea Coast, on 27 May 1944. As the only officer on board the Submarine Chaser U.S.S. SC-699 after an enemy plane crashed and exploded on her deck, Commander Holt immediately assumed command of the seven enlisted men remaining on the vessel and, while flames enveloped the ship to masthead height, proceeded to fight the fire, aided by equipment from the tug SONOMA, which had put alongside approximately three minutes after the fire commenced. While the conflagration was at its height, he braved the flames to release two gunners who were strapped to their gun positions and unable to free themselves because of severe burns. In imminent danger at all times from smoke, flame, explosion and falling debris, he remained cool and competent, and succeeded in extinguishing the fire and saving the ship, later going below decks where he supervised the administration of first aid and the evacuation of casualties and directed the clearing of debris. His inspiring courage, heroic initiative and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Holt and the United States Naval Service.
Contributor: BarryC (#47806468)
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